Plainviewans invited to enjoy annual Red, White and Moo Milkfest

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, June 28, 2009

The one thing local dairy families want more than anything is to take an active role in making their community a better place to live.

A big way they've done that over the past several years is to host the annual Red, White and Moo Milkfest.

The celebration began in 2004 and was designed to do two things: First, to celebrate June as National Dairy Month and, second, to enhance the local Fourth of July celebration.

The extravaganza always has included a parade down Broadway and then lots of food and fun in Broadway Park.

This year is no different, although there are a few changes from past formats.

The biggest, according to Bernadette Mulliken, is the day on which the Milkfest is held.

The calendar threw the dairy families a curve this year as July 4 falls on a Saturday, but the actual "legal" holiday is scheduled for Friday, July 3.

In trying to schedule events on the day many people would be off of work, the Milkfest was moved to Friday afternoon and evening.

The annual parade, which will begin at the Depot on North Broadway and end at Broadway Park, is set for 4 p.m. Friday, and the events at the park are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. and run through 8 p.m.

Also, tours of the local dairies will be provided from 6-7:30 p.m.

Mulliken, whose family operates Vista Grande Dairy south of Plainview, said there are advantages to having it in the evening when the temperatures should be cooler.

She went on to say that this year's celebration will focus on providing local residents a chance to relax and fellowship with one another.

Instead of the "Moosical" competition the Milkfest has featured in the past, the Fun Brothers Band from Clovis, N.M., will provide entertainment. Hopefully, Mulliken said, that will create a less hectic atmosphere for people.

As in the past, there will be an inexpensive meal at the park - a cheeseburger and chips for $1 - along with free milk and ice cream for everyone.

The popular ice cream eating contest is back and will include more age categories for children.

There also will be the best-dressed dairy dog contest.

The dairy mobile classroom will be set up, along with a variety of educational booths.

In addition, there will a whole row of kids games and fun activities for the entire family - including inflatable jumpers and a calf-petting zoo.

Mulliken said she hopes the evening gives area residents a chance to relax and enjoy themselves with friends and family.

She explained that she and her fellow dairy owners appreciate the opportunity to give something back to a community that has welcomed them.

"We've always wanted to be good neighbors and be a part of the community," she said.